RE: [cobalt-users] How to backup (tar) on tape ?

["agility" <webmgr@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> I want to backup datas from my RaQ4 to DLT tape.
> 
> The drive is connected :
> # tar -cvf /dev/st0 /path_to_tar
> is OK.
> 
> Now I want to have multiple backups on the same tape. 
> For the restore, I have to choose which backup to untar.
> 
At the risk of teaching how to 'suck eggs'
Having had some nightmares with clients that used their
tape for multiple versions of their backups, I must warn
you against the practice.

The concept is simple. If the tape is damaged during a 
subsequent backup, you not only loose your current backup
but all the previous versions as well. 
Of course, if your machine is in a remote location which
mails you the tape once every now and then, you don't have
much choice.

IMHO When using tapes, the best practice is a tape for each 
backup period.
eg. if you backup daily, then have 7 tapes (Sun,Mon...Sat)
You can go beyond that to having one for each week also,
then one for each month.. gets expensive, but if you have
ever seen the horror on a clients face when they realize
they just blew their harddrive during a backup ... !!!

Paul.